Maritime exhibition comes to Hartlepool ahead of the Tall Ships

With the countdown now under way to the return of the world famous Tall Ships to Hartlepool in 2023, ‘When the Boat Comes In’ opens at Hartlepool Art Gallery on Saturday 23rd July and runs until Saturday 5th November.

The free exhibition will feature significant works of art from the collection of Hartlepool Museums Service that are rich in a maritime history spanning centuries.

On display will be pieces by Charles Napier Hemy, J.W. Carmichael, and William Henry Chambers amongst other artists who have been inspired by the coastline of the British Isles and the industries that grew from it.

'Old Hartlepool' by J. W. Carmichael (1800 – 1868). Undated, oil on canvas

Angela Thomas, Art Gallery Curator at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We’re all incredibly excited to welcome back the Tall Ships in 2023 and their return gives us an opportunity to showcase the remarkable works of art we have here in Hartlepool.

“The exhibition features some of the most significant artists from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and their evocative portrayals of our national maritime history.”

‘When the Boat Comes In’ explores the long held fascination artists have had with the sea. Visitors can expect to see vivid paintings of perilous storms bringing to life the untameable power of the waves, while pastoral scenes of fisherfolk demonstrate the dependency of coastal communities on the sea for their livelihoods.

Each picture in the exhibition tells a story of the relationship between this seafaring nation and the surrounding waters.

Visitors to the exhibition can also browse the gallery gift shop’s range of unusual, quality items, explore a collection of stunning artworks for sale in the Vestry’s new selling space as well as also tuck into tasty treats in the café.

The gallery is based in Church Square and is open 10am – 5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and entry is free.

For more information call (01429) 869706 or visit www.hartlepoolartgallery.co.uk